A CRICKETER might have a few extra wrinkles, but it's what's up
top and the fire in the belly that counts.

Justin Langer was under more pressure than anybody leading into
this Ashes series. A string of relatively ordinary scores, a body
with 36 years on the clock and, after being hit on the head many
times, a suspicion that his reflexes are slowing had the critics
writing him off.

But his two half-centuries at the Gabba showed there's still
plenty of spirit, ability and fight in him.

His attitude was the key: to go out there to enjoy himself, play
with freedom and not worry about the consequences of failure. This
was a perfect example of the ageing cricketer backing his ability
and taking it to younger opponents.

There's no hiding that the Australian team is getting old and
several players are nearing the end of their careers. The selectors
have a delicate job to ensure that a large group doesn't retire at
once. With players such as Phil Jaques and Shaun Tait knocking on
the selectors' door, it won't be easy to get it right.

Professional cricketers have many hurdles to overcome to ensure
a long and successful career - loss of form, being dropped,
injuries, mental tiredness, time away from loved ones, physical
tiredness and bad luck are just some of them.

These obstacles are set to test even the most gifted of players,
and every player will have been through one or more of these. How
each individual copes will determine how effective he will be as a
player.

In the Aussie dressing room at the Gabba there's only one player
under 30 - Michael Clarke at 25. Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien
Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist are all 35 or
more, unusual for a top sporting team.

As a result there is a constant reference to it by the media
with even pictures of our boys in Dad's Army outfits. For
players under the microscope, it can be very demoralising and
distracting and applies added pressure.

Towards the end of my career, my position was continually
questioned - even more so once I passed 35. Even though I tried
extremely hard to block out the negative press and talk, it got to
the stage in my last year of Test cricket that I felt every time I
walked to the crease I was playing for my position.

The outcome was I played negatively, nervously, forever looking
over my shoulder. Rightly or wrongly, I felt some people in the
media were watching my every movement through a negative haze.

I scored a half-century in my third-last Test match against
Pakistan and batted pretty well. The next day I picked up a paper
and it said I had scored a "scratchy" 50. My innings was no worse
than that of any other batsman on our side but because of my age
and a perception I was heading towards the end of my career, it was
reported negatively.

It is obvious we all get older and have to retire at some stage.
But I'm yet to see a lot of evidence to show that once you get into
your late 30s you suddenly deteriorate as quickly as some experts
like to think. There might have been a slight slowdown in leg speed
and flexibility in the field and between wickets, but even that is
debatable. Dietitians and full-time fitness advisers are there to
help and ensure that every player is in prime condition.

With age comes experience and this is an important asset. Many a
game has been won with a calm, sensible thought process.

In the end, performance is what counts. With added fitness and a
positive attitude such as Langer's and Glenn McGrath, who finished
with six wickets, don't be surprised if we have cricketers
performing just as well at 38 as 28. For evidence, keep your eye on
this Ashes series.

PLANNING WOES

ENGLAND no doubt planned meticulously as to how they were going
to bowl to our batsmen, but you wouldn't have thought so watching
the first three days.

They showed no aggression against Justin Langer, preferring to
bowl half-volleys rather than give him some short stuff. Against
Ricky Ponting they did the opposite, then, when Michael Clarke was
at the crease, they bowled spinner Ashley Giles instead of the
quicks.

Andrew Flintoff's reluctance to bowl himself at crucial times,
particularly first on the second morning, was strange. He's
obviously feeling his way as captain, but he needs to get a good
sense for the game as quickly as possible.

Steve Harmison is a key player in their team but looks sadly
down on confidence. His first ball of the Test was a bad sign and
he just doesn't know where his next ball is going. He needs to get
back some rhythm and self belief - and quickly.

Langer led the way on the first morning, setting the tone for
the match and the series. Despite mounting pressure from Phil
Jaques, his attacking mind-set and strokeplay signalled a man far
from finished at international level.

He started out looking to dominate and heap pressure on a
nervous English bowling line-up which got worse as the first day
progressed. All the Aussie batsmen looked comfortable and fed off
Langer's aggression.

England have looked tentative all game and despite talking the
talk before the match I seriously doubt they believe deep down they
can retain the Ashes.

Their team is weaker on paper in all departments and Australia
are looking so determined - and less likely to repeat their
mistakes.

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